Rent "The Gaucho" (1927) to appreciate Lupe Vélez as a silent film star. Originally a Mexican dancer, comedian Fanny Brice discovered her. Luminous without special effects, “the Mexican Spitfire" later made talking pictures.
Reserve Dolores Del Rio: Princesa de México to appreciate why this actress was so beloved in her day. Del Rio began her U.S. film career during the silent movie era. Mysterious and exotic, she was a female “Valentino" in her time. A song from “Ramona” in 1928 was recorded before actual “talkies”.
Get to know Rita Hayworth in "Gilda". Of Spanish heritage, Hayworth was born Margarita Carmen Cansino in Brooklyn. The outgoing beauty was shy in personal life. Her famous light-hair was the result of a Hollywood makeover, and she hated the constant need to be someone she wasn't.
Reserve "Broken Lance" to appreciate Katy Jurado, the first Hispanic actress nominated for an Academy Award in 1954. Jurado also had a Gypsy grandfather.
Watch Norma Aleandro, a celebrated Argentinian actress whose political views caused her exile to Uruguay. She won the Argentine Academy Award for "The Official Story". Netflix offers this and "Only Human" to "watch instantly".
"Gaby: A True Story" won Aleandro much praise in 1987. She was nominated for an Academy Award the same year.
Expressive and romantic, add Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo & Juliet to your queue. Olivia Hussey, an Argentine actress known by U.S. audiences as Juliet, is also worth watching in "Mother Teresa".
Get to know more Hispanic-American actresses from vintage television. Catherine Bach, a Hispanic-American actress known for her beauty and dangerous curves in "The Dukes of Hazard", is charming Daisy Duke.
Rent "Wonder Woman" to enjoy Linda Jean Córdova Carter, best known as the curvaceous super-hero. Carter is the daughter of a Mexican immigrant mother.
Savor intelligent Hispanic actresses. Especially noteworthy: Salma Hayek (nominated for Best Actress in Frida, 2002), gets completely into (the artist) Frida's skin: cantando en la película Frida.
Watch Adriana Barraza's versatile, prolific roles (nominated for Best Supporting Actress in Babel, 2006) for hours of fun.
Watch Rosario Dawson, a highly acclaimed Hispanic-American in "Rent" and "Seven Pounds". Dawson has said she loved "Rent" because it captured the kind of childhood she actually had.
Reserve "We Own the Night", "The Spirit" and "The Women" to appreciate Eva Mendes, an actress of Cuban heritage. Her humor, dramatic capability and sheer sexiness will make you smile.